QUESTION:

Our caterer has added a 20 % service charge, and 7% tax has been added to that. The waiters are being provided by the venue, and are being paid in a separate fee. The caterer says this is not their tip…that he has his own personnel that is paid by the service charge. He had a suggested tip of $1500.00 on the contract. The wedding is this Sunday. He would like the 1500 tip in advance, as a separate check. I said we would tip afterwards, and he said he gets the tip and distributes it before the event. This seems like blackmail to me, and my husband is adamantly saying he will not do it. I don’t want the day ruined. Advice, please?

-Linda Read the rest of this entry »

QUESTION:

My fiancé and I have decided to have a no-alcohol reception. His side of the family has decided not to come if there will not be alcohol there. What do I do?

-Kaeta Read the rest of this entry »

QUESTION:

I am getting married in the Dominican Republic. It is my second marriage. It
is a private ceremony with just us and my 2 children on the beach. However
we want to send announcements that we are getting married, but we do not want
to send invitations. Do I send the announcements before or after we are
married?

-Kristina Read the rest of this entry »

QUESTION:

For tipping the wait staff, you say 15-20% of the food bill–Do you include the total pricing from the caterer that includes, plates, tablecloths, etc… Or is it just the cost of the food portion? I appreciate your response.

-Theresa Read the rest of this entry »

QUESTION:

I’m planning a wedding for May of 09 in Chicago. Was just reading your blog post on Room Blocks. Very helpful information.

My fiancé and I are planning to have our reception at a hotel and are doing some “venue shopping” this weekend. I was curious as to the average discount for room rates for blocks. Especially if we are also holding the reception at the hotel.

Trying to get as educated as possible before our meetings so we have some negotiating power. Any info you have would be helpful.

Thanks!

Bridget Read the rest of this entry »

QUESTION:

I have been searching for weeks as to how to plan a 49th Anniversary Party for our parents.

Half of our family lives 4,000 miles away from our parents. It has been 13 years since we will all (all family members) be at home at the same time. And has taken us 10 years to plan and save for our trip.

Our parents 50th is next year, and we would like to celebrate their marriage this year. They were married in October of 1959, so we do understand we are pushing boundaries celebrating the 49th.

We have had several Aunts and Uncles pass away over the past 2 years, and feel, since we are all together, we could celebrate their 50th this summer.

We know we cannot be together next year, on their 50th. Is there an appropriate way to have this event? Any advice you could give would be greatly appreciated.

-Linda Read the rest of this entry »

QUESTION:

If you receive a formal Wedding Invitation and there is no mention of R.s.v.p or any response card, are you supposed to send a response?

-Leigh Read the rest of this entry »

QUESTION:

Could you please give me any ideas for the verbiage for no children
to a reception?

-Debbie Read the rest of this entry »

QUESTION:

I am hosting my parent’s 50th wedding anniversary, and doing my own invites. 2 questions, 1) whose name goes first my mom’s or my dad’s?? I thought my dad’s but friends have said that they heard “ladies first”. Example, I have Joe and Beryl. 2) Is it implied that it’s a wedding when you say anniversary?? I have 50th wedding anniversary, or should I just put 50th Anniversary. Your help is appreciated.

-Gail Read the rest of this entry »

QUESTION:

Is it proper to have a couple’s shower and also invite guests who are not invited to wedding? I don’t want to have 2 separate parties. I thought I could send 2 different invites, one for the shower and one for just a party for the couple of guests who aren’t invited.

Thanks!

Deb

PS: Can you help me with the wording for a couple’s shower and wording for “no gifts”. Read the rest of this entry »